NT Resourceshttp://ntresources.com/blog
Established by Dr. Rod Decker - Maintained by Dr. Wayne SlusserFri, 18 Nov 2016 02:35:16 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.5.4Diagramming Paul’s Thanksgiving to Godhttp://ntresources.com/blog/?p=3918
http://ntresources.com/blog/?p=3918#respondFri, 18 Nov 2016 02:24:19 +0000http://ntresources.com/blog/?p=3918When I come to this time of the year, the thanksgiving holiday, I’m reminded of Paul’s thanksgiving sections within his letters. In his second letter to the Thessalonians, Paul highlights their faith and endurance under extreme difficulty. He does not hesitate to boast to other churches that God is working in and through them. These prayers are a great example of how we as believers can also pray.

In 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12, he begins by stating his obligation to pray for the Thessalonians. He saw his opportunity to pray as a personal responsibility before God on their behalf; a sense of proud boasting, if you will. Paul prayed for them because of the further development of their faith in God (cf. 1 Thess 1:3), the faith in God that produces action. He says that their faith grew abundantly and their love increased (2 Thess 1:3). As a result of this growth, Paul took the opportunity to boast to other churches. In fact, Paul’s motivation for boasting was the Thessalonians’ steadfastness and faith (v. 4), again, even amidst severe hostility. Mike Stallard in his commentary on the Thessalonian letters states,

Paul had noted this quality of the Thessalonians in his first epistle when he mentioned their ‘steadfastness of hope’ in Jesus (1 Thess 1:3). In the last chapter of the second epistle, the apostle prays that the Lord may direct their hearts into the ‘steadfastness‘ of Christ (3:5). This again shows the apostle’s constant teaching that there was always room for growth in the qualities that he acknowledged in the Thessalonians” (pp. 137-38).

I think the question that comes to my mind is, would Paul boast about my growth? I could also ask myself, what plan do I have in place this week for continued growth to occur?

Paul does not stop there. He continues in verses 5-10 to expand on the persecutions & afflictions. These terrible times were evidence of the righteous judgment of God (v. 5); that is, their suffering is a demonstration of the genuineness of their faith (their identity – cf. 1:1). They endured this suffering to be counted worthy of the kingdom of God. And, because God’s judgment is “just,” it’s “right;” it is right of him to repay those who trouble the Thessalonians. He will also give relief to the those who are being afflicted (vv. 6-7). One could say that a picture of this relief is the ‘slackening of a string on a bow.’ The relief He gives is when His Son is revealed and gives/hands-out vengeance to those who do not know God & who do not obey the gospel. It is a punishment that is eternal; it lasts forever (vv. 7-9).

Another question, knowing that one day Jesus will punish those who do not have a relationship with Him – does this motivate me to love others and share the gospel? What am I doing with the truth?

Paul concludes with a short prayer (cf. 1:11-12). His prayer is that God will help them to continue to display their true standing; their calling. It is an evaluation of their conduct in light of His calling; but all the time realizing that God enables them to do what is good and right. God’s calling is the foundation/basis for their conduct . . . now display it. However, they were not left to do it themselves. Paul states that this work of faith comes by the means of His power (v. 11). Ultimately for the purpose of the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to be glorified, and we, as believers, be glorified in Him. To be glorified in Christ is possible only because the most exalted God and Lord is the one who stands as the true source of all things (v. 12).

The focus of Paul’s prayer is living in the present while having knowledge of the hope of a future. Rest, relief, and honor is coming to the believer; whereas judgment, destruction, and separation from God awaits the unbeliever. This provides the reality for us to live day by day as we do the work of faith; and can only be carried out by God’s enabling grace. The suffering of one’s present life is to be one day replaced with glorification. This is Paul’s incentive for the believer to live a life worthy of his status, for the Spirit indwells him. Those who bear Christ’s name must also glorify God in that name. This is dependent upon the supply of grace that is sourced in the Spirit of God.

]]>http://ntresources.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=39180Blessed and Thankfulhttp://ntresources.com/blog/?p=3905
Wed, 07 Sep 2016 17:29:39 +0000http://ntresources.com/blog/?p=3905I am amazed at how God utilizes circumstances, children, and every day life to conform, challenge, and care for his own. This morning I stepped back and thought to myself, “Thank you God for the opportunity and privilege to rear children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Please place a hedge of protection around them as they begin a new school year.” God is a caring and loving God; He’s doing it through my children, Jack (14 years of age, Freshman in high school) and Nick (10 years of age, 5th grade in middle school).

My boys are a blessing to Missy and me; we are thankful. The boys love the Lord, love soccer, and strive, each in his own way, to honor and glorify God. These boys, . . . they are dependent upon their parents to provide, guide, and love & care for them. Missy and I are happy to take the mantle of shepherding our boys. Is it easy? No, not quite – but certainly a joy. My prayer for my two boys is Paul’s prayer to the Colossians,

“. . . asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Col 1:9-10).

I am blessed and thankful.

]]>What is Facing the Church Today?http://ntresources.com/blog/?p=3896
Fri, 22 Jul 2016 14:38:22 +0000http://ntresources.com/blog/?p=3896There is little doubt the Church today faces a culture that is very different than 20 years ago. As a matter of fact, the Church is to engage and minister to a culture that typically does not value biblical truth, does not accept biblical truth, and certainly does not live according to biblical truth. How does the Church engage a culture like this? Simple, . . . engage this culture with not our truth, but with God’s authoritative Word; and do so with all accuracy and relevancy.

Following the results of the American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS), Newsweek published a cover story in 2009 titled “The End of Christian America.” The ARIS results indicated a decline of 10 percentage points (86% to 76%) of self-identified Christians from 1990 to 2009. Another survey, from the Pew Research Study in 2012 published results that the self-identified Christians fell another 5 percent, and did so in only 5 years.

This looks to present a problem for the Church. Are there going to be any Christians to impact and engage this culture with the gospel of Jesus Christ? Ed Stetzer, in his blog titled “The Exchange” published in Christianity Today, states that the church is not dying, despite what others may report. The church is in transition, but not dying. Ed also states that the current cultural shift is bringing clarity that will assist in defining who we are as Christians; that is, potentially most of the 86% of those who checked the “Christian” box on a survey in 1990 were likely not genuine followers of Jesus Christ.

Being American and being Christian are NOT one-in-the-same. The Scriptures define Christian very differently than culture at large. It is quite possible that those people who checked the “Christian” box on a survey are no longer doing so; quite frankly because they no longer feel the societal pressure to be “Christian.” To them, shedding the label “Christian” makes sense.

What is facing the Church today? What crises present themselves as potential obstacles to the Church? Why is it important, and necessary, for the Church to be aware of them? While a faculty member at Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary in Springfield, MO I was asked by the President of the College to speak at the annual meeting of the Baptist Bible Fellowship International in May of 2014. I spoke to hundreds of pastors in order to help prepare them to minister the gospel of Jesus Christ to an ever-changing, postmodern culture. I presented the Theological Crises Facing the Church Today. Since then, I have constructed some additional thoughts and resources in a paper (Preparing for Theological Issues) that I hope communicates the seriousness of what faces the Church today. May God provide us with the wisdom necessary to impact and engage today’s culture with the gospel.

]]>A New Intermediate Greek Grammarhttp://ntresources.com/blog/?p=3889
http://ntresources.com/blog/?p=3889#commentsThu, 02 Jun 2016 10:46:20 +0000http://ntresources.com/blog/?p=3889Below is a “brief review” of the new intermediate Greek grammar. Although I have not thoroughly read the entire grammar, I have skimmed it and provided some assessments at the end of the review.

Going Deeper with New Testament Greek: An Intermediate Study of the Grammar and Syntax of the New Testament. By Andreas J. Köstenberger, Benjamin L. Merkle, and Robert L. Plummer. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, 2016. 550 pp.

Seasoned New Testament scholars, Köstenberger, Merkle, and Plummer have provided an intermediate Greek textbook that is sure to assist both professors and students with a current resource for the study of the grammar and syntax of the Greek New Testament. Their goal is to provide a resource that is accessible and fun to students. They claim this is a textbook, not a reference guide/resource; a hands-on, practical guide to assist in the proper interpretation of God’s word.

The format of the textbook is straightforward and user-friendly.

First, each chapter begins with a section titled, “Going Deeper.” The purpose of this section is to introduce the student to a practical illustration that applies the material found within the chapter. For example, chapter 3 – which discusses the Genitive case, walks the student through common wording that is often found on Christmas cards (“peace on earth, good will toward men,” ἐπὶ γῆς εἰρήνη ἐν ἀνθρώποις εὐδοκίας). Is this an accurate translation of the Greek text? There is also a text-critical issue with this verse; should the text read εὐδοκίας (gen case), or εὐδοκία (nom case)? And, is Luke (2:14) suggesting that good will go to all men, humanity at large?

Following the “Going Deeper” section, each chapter states the objectives and introduces the material. Several biblical examples, written in Greek and translated into English for the ease of the student to follow along & see the relevant syntactical forms, illustrate the grammatical and/or syntactical category discussed in the chapter.

Third, and probably one of the unique sections of the grammar, is the inclusion of practice sentences. These are carefully chosen to provide students with the ability to practice the skills they have learned. This feature is unique because it is unlike the typical intermediate grammar; that is, most grammars either do not include practice sentences or publish them in a separate volume. This grammar includes them.

Fourth, this intermediate grammar offers vocabulary for students to memorize. In the introduction (p. 4), it states that the student who memorizes all words in the New Testament that occur 15 times or more will have memorized 830 words.

And last, this grammar offers a built-in reader. By reader it is meant that there are New Testament texts for students to translate at the end of each chapter. These texts were carefully selected so that students were exposed to the following: (1) grammar & syntax discussed in the chapter, and (2) a pastorally relevant/theologically foundational/or doctrinally debated text that is 10-12 verses in length. The reader sections also provide helpful notes to guide the student through the translation process.

One of the benefits to this grammar for professors is the available resources. There are a number of teacher aids from weekly quizzes to PowerPoint presentations to chapter summaries. These resources are accessible at www.deepergreek.com

As the reader thumbs through the table of contents, he will not be surprised to find typical chapter titles for an intermediate grammar (e.g., Genitive Case, Dative Case, Participles, Infinitives, etc.). However, the authors have also incorporated recent studies within the fields of verbal aspect and discourse analysis into chapters 7 and 13 respectively. They have consulted a number of NT scholars (e.g., Campbell, Decker, Porter, Black, Huffman, Runge) to provide the latest information and/or techniques; especially in these fields.

“Keeping current” is a must in New Testament Greek grammar. With a publication date of 2016, Going Deeper with New Testament Greek is sure to have the latest information on key grammatical and syntactical concepts. I am especially impressed with chapter 15 (Continuing with Greek) because it offers resources for students of the Greek NT. The writers of this Greek grammar strongly encourage their readers to invest time into recommended resources and tools such as websites (e.g., ntresources.com), exegetical commentaries (e.g., EGGNT series, Handbook on the Greek Text series, etc.), lexicons (e.g., BDAG), and grammars.

This is an all-in-one grammar that will be a great help to the student or pastor who desires to advance his understanding of the Greek New Testament. If you plan to learn or continue to learn Greek, you will want this text on your shelf.

]]>http://ntresources.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=38891Minister’s Enrichment Day – BBShttp://ntresources.com/blog/?p=3877
http://ntresources.com/blog/?p=3877#commentsTue, 22 Mar 2016 19:52:19 +0000http://ntresources.com/blog/?p=3877The semi-annual Minister’s Enrichment Day is two weeks from today (April 5). This is a day of learning and fellowship that Baptist Bible Seminary of Clarks Summit, PA develops on behalf of pastors, youth pastors, missionaries, and other ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This year’s purpose of ME Day is to explore and discuss controversial issues within society. In other words, how can we faithfully exegete our culture and communicate biblical truth without violating the Bible?

The two keynote speakers are: Dr. Ken Davis, Director of Project Jerusalem and Dr. Mike Stallard, Seminary Dean and Professor of Systematic Theology. Dr. Davis is a missionary kid from Guyana, brings over 35 years of church-planting experience, and has served in numerous multi-cultural environs. Dr. Stallard is the founder and director of Mission Scranton, an urban outreach to the city of Scranton, and founding pastor at New Life Baptist Church. He brings a balance of theological expertise and real-world experience in multi-ethnic settings.

The Featured Sessions are:

The Need, the Biblical Imperative and the Pitfalls of Cultural Exegesis by Dr. Davis

Recognizing the Theological Difficulties Involved in Exegeting Culture for Ministry by Dr. Stallard

You can read more about Minister’s Enrichment Day at BBS here; including a schedule for the day and a list of the workshops. I will be offering a workshop titled, “The Confessions of a Church Planter.” I will highlight the opportunity that God gave me to be a part of a team church-plant in the Springfield, MO area for 14 years. The workshop will focus on 3 crucial aspects of healthy church planting, such as: the involvement with the community, the importance of outreach, and the interpretation & exposition of God’s Word.

]]>http://ntresources.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=38771A Tribute to a Pastorhttp://ntresources.com/blog/?p=3864
Sun, 13 Mar 2016 17:32:04 +0000http://ntresources.com/blog/?p=3864Consistently ministering to a flock, of which God has given you the privilege to do so, is an incredible opportunity. Ministering for 40+ years, is even more amazing. I am writing this blog post on behalf of my father-in-law, Bob Baker, who has been faithfully ministering to God’s people for the last 4 decades or so . . . Wow, what a heritage. What an example. Today, however – he retires.

So, what do you say to someone who has left this kind of legacy? Well, you offer biblical reasons to appreciate and value him as a pastor; a shepherd. I would like to review two passages of Scripture that I think best describe my dad’s life and ministry. First, is Paul’s admonition to Timothy in his first letter (4:12-13). Here Paul admonishes Timothy to be an example. This means to offer oneself as an impression; an impression that is used as a mold to shape someone or something else. Paul’s point here is that Timothy should not so much be an example that others can emulate, but that he is to be a mold that should be pressed into the lives of others so they too can attain the same shape. How is this to be done? It is to be done in one’s everyday speech, everyday life, through a selfless love – expecting nothing in return, through a trustworthiness in God, and through a pure life. This represents a faithful servant, minister of God’s word. This exemplifies dad’s character; his life as a godly example for others.

Paul continues in verse 13. Timothy is also to read God’s word, exhort others using God’s word, and teach God’s word. Basically he is admonishing Timothy to immerse himself in the biblical text, encourage others to godliness and while doing so, emphasize the centrality of the text through study, devotion and life. His lifestyle is to be characterized as a devotion to, and immersion in, the biblical text. Again, I cannot think of a better way to describe my father-in-law’s ministry to others and characterize his life lived before others. As Paul states later in the text (v. 16), dad paid close attention to his life and continued in the teaching of God’s word. He and his ministry exemplified Paul’s admonitions to Timothy.

The second passage comes from the first letter written by Peter. Here (5:1-4), Peter admonishes the elders (pastors) with some challenging pastoral responsibilities. The pastor is to feed the flock; that is, consistently use the word of God to grow your people toward godliness. He is also to look after, or inspect the flock. Inspecting the people to ensure that their lives are God-pleasing to the church and community at large. How is the pastor to do these things? Willingly, eagerly, and with humility; exhibiting the godly character for others to emulate.

This is not always easy. But over the years I have watched, and carefully observed these qualities in dad’s life and ministry. He has loved people. He has shared the gospel with many, and by God’s grace, had the privilege to experience God’s working in and through people as they humble themselves and accept Jesus as their Savior. He is an ambassador for Christ (2 Cor 5:20). He has paid careful attention to and devoted his life to the Scriptures. He has taught the Scriptures in order to exhort others to growth in godliness. He has done it without complaint. Why? Because he loves his Lord, and the Lord’s people. He truly understands Hebrews 13:17; that is, to watch over God’s people knowing he would one day give an account for them and he did it with joy. Thanks dad for your example. Thanks for being a Paul to this Timothy.

Pastor Bob Baker and wife Donna

]]>My Son is 10 todayhttp://ntresources.com/blog/?p=3857
Tue, 01 Mar 2016 11:09:20 +0000http://ntresources.com/blog/?p=3857Once again, this is not New Testament related; but it is an opportunity for you all to meet my family. My younger son Nick is 10 years old today. He is smart, witty, energetic, and funny. Nick has interests in math, reading, and sports; basketball and soccer (see picture below). I am thankful to God for his tender heart and willingness to grow in God’s word. He loves Awana. May God bless you son. I love you “little man.”

Nick as the goalie

]]>My Son is 14 todayhttp://ntresources.com/blog/?p=3852
Tue, 09 Feb 2016 18:32:49 +0000http://ntresources.com/blog/?p=3852I realize this is not New Testament related, but I love the opportunity to share about my family. My son Jack is 14 years old today. He is my older son, Nick is the younger one. Jack has interests in math, social studies, and sports; specifically soccer (see picture below). I am proud of the young man Jack is becoming and the spiritual growth that God and his word continues to foster. May God bless you son. I love you buddy.

From L to R (me, Jack, & his Missouri soccer coach)

]]>What To Consider This New Year – 2016http://ntresources.com/blog/?p=3847
Thu, 07 Jan 2016 16:14:13 +0000http://ntresources.com/blog/?p=3847When the clock strikes midnight to usher in a new year, typically celebrations and excitement abound. Many of us, might seize the moment and seriously consider a new beginning and make a New Year’s resolution. The most common New Year’s resolutions involve getting healthier, making better financial decisions, and striving to make better use of our time. But do we think about our relationships? Specifically, our relationship with God. In all the excitement of making our resolutions, do we consider our relationship with God?

The author of Hebrews admonishes his readers to consider their relationship with Christ. I want to take a brief moment to do the same. Admonition by the author is not an uncommon occurrence in Hebrews, for the author desires to encourage and strengthen the weak believers of a small community (13:22) so that they might stand fast in their faith during times of affliction (4:14; 10:23). The author writes to a congregation in crisis (10:32-33) pointing them to the superior and great high priesthood of Jesus Christ (5-10).

He introduces Jesus as the superior mode of revelation (1:2) and the superior means of redemption (1:3). Because of our personal relationship with Him, Jesus calls us brethren (2:11), makes reconciliation possible between us and God (2:15-18), extends grace and mercy at the appropriate time (4:14-16), continually intercedes on our behalf (7:25-28), offers a one-time sacrifice that qualifies us to worship Him (10:10-14), and He is the author and finisher of our faith (12:2).

As the author concludes his letter, he focuses on endurance in chapter 12. He is urging patient and trusting perseverance even in spite of hardship. He admonishes this endurance through an athletic metaphor; running a race (12:1). We all have a race to run, that race is life. Experiences in life are not only full of friendly interaction and joy, but also include opposition and suffering, for all are providentially designed and serve as a fruitful role in the maturing of our relationship with God.

The author states how we should run the race. He urges us to “fix our eyes on Jesus,” or ‘have a concentrated attention on Jesus’ that turns away from all other distractions and focuses on Him (12:2). Jesus Christ, the one to whom we focus, is the “author and finisher of our faith.” In other words, He is the champion of our salvation; the example of supremacy in bringing faith to complete realization and the perfect example of trust in God. He perfectly finished the race.

So why look to Jesus? The author of Hebrews continues his admonition by providing the basis for the believer to endure; that is, consider Him (12:3a). He is emphatically stating, “by all means consider Him,” or ‘seriously think about His endurance’ and do so in such a way that we evaluate and assess our own life with the utmost care. In other words, for Jesus “to endure the cross and despise the shame, the opinions and values of the world were not worthy for Him to take into consideration when it was a question of his obedience to the will of God.” We are to consider Him because he is the epitome of faithful obedience.

The author then concludes with the purpose for considering Jesus; “that we will not grow weary and lose heart” (12:3b). By considering Jesus, we will not grow fatigued and discouraged; rather we will press on in the Christian life. As you consider the New Year, what will grab your attention? What comforts of this world will keep you from the appointed course? Will you consider Jesus this year?

“by the blood of Jesus” Hebrews 10

The Son as the Superior Sacrifice (10:5-25)

Introduction (10:5-18)

10:5-10 – These verses demonstrate the superior sacrifice of Christ. It is Jesus’ body that was prepared by the sovereign plan of God in order that sins may be decisively taken away & believers sanctified (having a relationship to God). The writer of Hebrews puts the words of Psalm 40 on the lips of Jesus (“but a body you have prepared for me” & “behold, I have come to do your will”).

10:11-14 – These verses demonstrate the contrast between the earthly priests and the superior priest, who is Christ. – It is this superior priest who is enthroned in heaven, not standing because there is more to offer; rather he is sitting because his sacrifice is finished. The key to this verse (futility – v. 11) is the cumulative effect of the futility that characterizes the Levitical priestly ministry. There is no decisive effect on those to be sanctified. (‘day by day;’ ‘the same sacrifices;’ ‘which can never take away sins.’). The key to these verses (finality – vv. 12-14) is that Jesus is seated in the presence of God, no priest of the line of Aaron, and as a matter of fact no angel (cf. 1:13), has ever sat down in the presence of God. Remember: sitting next to God indicates equality!
The contrasts are incredible = Jesus “offered” as opposed to the priests “offering;” Jesus’ one sacrifice as opposed to the priests multiple sacrifices; and finally Jesus sat down as opposed to the priests who stand daily. Lane comments, “Jesus sits because his sacrifice requires no repetition. His heavenly session attests that the benefits of his sacrificial death endure perpetually. The sacrificial phase of his priestly ministry is completed” (WBC, 267). Jesus has perfected believers forever, as opposed to the priests and their role that never takes away sins. We are wholly adequate for a relationship with God!

10:15-18 – These verses demonstrate the results of Christ’s definitive crosswork; that is, the New Covenant (NC) analogously benefits the believers’ redemption. Believers are now definitively & decisively forgiven, thus resulting in a personal relationship with God. The author of Hebrews concludes his argument with this section (vv. 15-18). His argument that began with 10:1 dealt with a problem; that is, the limited ability of the law to deal with sins.The answer to the problem came in the person of Christ by fulfilling God’s will submissively and obediently, Christ makes his people holy. Christ has perfected for all time those in the process of being made holy & transforms God’s people through a decisive forgiveness of sins.

“The sins of God’s people have been decisively put away; a sin offering is no longer necessary. The basis for speaking about a decisive putting away of sins is the efficacy of the sacrifice offered by Christ on the cross” (WBC, 269). Sins no longer provide an obstacle to a relationship with God; it is enduring and unending. Believers now enjoy unhindered access to God in worship. Now what is the believer to do? Jesus Christ makes a relationship with God possible; in fact, it makes worship to God not only possible, but necessary!

The task of the believer is to act upon these truths in obedience (vv. 22-25).

The author is using this section of exhortation (10:19-25) to address his readers. He is drawing upon the lengthy exposition section (5:1-10:18) of Christ’s high priestly office & sacrifice to motivate an urgency of loyalty to Jesus [connecting the truths concerning Christ & the implications of those truths for the Christian life]. Given the magnitude of Christ’s accomplishment, it is only logical that his readers are motivated to do the “let us,” (vv. 22-25) commands; basically the author is saying, “put their Christian profession into action!”

What is Christ’s accomplishment? What truths can we meditate on?

Positional sanctification:(1) 7:14-16 – Jesus Christ experienced death, His life was not destroyed and can never be destroyed; therefore 7:25 (we can be saved)

(2) 9:11-12b – Jesus Christ went ‘through’ heaven, into the presence of God ‘by the means of his own blood;’ therefore 9:12c & 9:24c (we can be in the presence of God & have eternal redemption)

The address –
The initial phrase “therefore, brethren” = This is an intimate and pastoral admonition to validate one’s faith by acting upon it.
The phrase “having . . .” in verses 19 & 21 are both causal participles and ought to be translated as “since we have.”

Now, what is it that we have? There are two objects – “confidence [authorization]” & “a great priest [in charge of God’s household]”

The object #1 – ‘since we have . . .’
“confidence [authority, or boldness] to enter [have free access] the holy place [the heavenly sanctuary]” = It is possible to approach God in worship at the present time because the heavenly high priest has secured free access to the heavenly sanctuary. Christ’s definitive sacrifice (v. 12) provides the grounds for our entrance to God; that is, the emphasis in 4:14, 6:20, & 9:11 is Christ’s entering; but by contrast, the emphasis in 10:19-20 is our entrance!

The worshiper is emboldened by the work of Christ; that is, Jesus has won us confident entrance to the Divine Presence!
How do we have this ‘boldness’? – “by the blood of Jesus,” = ‘by the means of,’ this is the decisive factor in the authorization of Christians to approach God (cf. 9:12, 24).

What is the ‘new access’?
“by a new and living way” = It is ‘new’ because it replaces the ‘old sacrificial system’ (cf. 10:11-14). – Jesus has opened a path for us, a path unknown & inaccessible to people before the completion of his high priestly work. – It is ‘living’ because it leads to life (cf. 10:15-18).

How do we have this ‘access’? – “through the veil, his flesh” = ‘by the means of,’ This is Christ’s sacrificial death & his ‘going into God’s presence’ on our behalf, making possible our entrance to God’s presence.

The object #2 – ‘since we have . . .’
“an high priest over the house of God” = Christ rules over the household of God (his ministry was over the household of God, his enthronement, acclamation, and worship by angels places him as one who presides over its administration.); thus exercising administration over his own people. This informs us that we are in a sphere of Christ’s activity and he sustains his people (v. 14 & 7:25). It is these two objects that point to authorization and access. They summarize the benefits you and I have as a result of Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross.

The author assumes, therefore, that this basis or foundation is enough to then encourage us toward three exhortations:Let us draw near (10:22):
The enactment of the New Covenant enables the believer to ‘continually,’ or ‘constantly’ approach God. This is a closeness to God that is unhindered (a significant expression of the new relationship between God and man, the NC). This ‘drawing near to God’ transcends time & space; for it is not just limited to a church worship service. Rather it is a cultivated daily practice of knowing him intimately (cf. prayer & reading of His word).

How do we ‘draw near’? – manner
(1) Sincerely – “with a sincere [real, genuine, loyal] heart” = Christ’s definitive sacrifice (v. 12) makes this possible. In other words, a direct result of Christ’s sacrifice enables us and stirs up in us the relationship of heart-obedience toward God; bringing a heart that is genuinely committed to him.

(2) Faithfully – “in full assurance of faith” = It describes, if you will, the certainty & stability that are created in Christians as a result of the work of Christ; thus making it possible to remain loyal and have a relationship to God. It suggests a firm trust placed in God, who has shown himself faithful in his dealings with his people.

How is our heart prepared? – means
“having our hearts sprinkled [clean]” & “our bodies washed” – These are figurative symbols that point to the greater & more perfect cleansing due to Christ’s sacrifice (cf. 9:13-14). We are clean.

Let us hold fast (10:23):
The author’s use of the present tense here demonstrates that the exhortation to ‘hold on’ is an ongoing call.

The phrase “hold fast,” means to ‘keep a tight grip on,’ ‘keep it from slipping away’ (cf. 2 Thess 2:15); “hold fast the confession of our hope,” means to maintain a firm confidence in the objective gift of salvation God has extended to us on the basis of Christ’s sacrifice (cf. 9:28 – Though Christ died once and dealt with the sins of the people, he will bring complete salvation at his second coming. This is our hope! There is no judgment, rather life with Christ!).

How do we ‘hold fast’? – manner
Unswervingly – “without wavering,” means swerving neither to one side or the other, fixed, stable, steadfast, that which does not bend. It calls believers to remain stable and to affirm its privileged status as the people who have been granted access to God through Christ. It calls believers “to hold onto the Christian hope, which is grounded in the person & work of Christ, without being moved by changing circumstances” (NIVappl, 344).

Let us consider one another (10:24-25):
This indicates a summons for believers to continue caring for one another, ‘pay close attention to,’ or ‘look closely at.’
This is fleshed-out through the stimulation of love, motivation of good works, and the mutual encouragement that the church expresses to one another wherever you are.

“to stimulate one another [εις indicating goal] love and good works,” means exhibiting a practical concern for one another.
The idea of stimulate here is ‘aggressively stirring up the flock to encourage one to good works.’ (it is the opposite of Acts 15:39). We must have a caring response toward others. Active support and concern for the welfare of one another are matters of critical urgency in the life of the Church, especially when exposed to testing and disappointment.

How do we ‘consider one another’? – manner
Not forsaking . . . but encouragement –
“not forsaking our own assembling together” – This means that the discontinuance of common fellowship & worship could be fatal for godliness lived out. The principle of the author here is *not related to church attendance every time the doors are open,* rather a consistent involvement in the life of the church (this is the people!). So the question is, “are you meaningfully engaged in the life of the body on a weekly basis?”

“but encouraging one another” – to ‘come alongside;’ It is important that the entire church body assumes responsibility to watch that no one grows weary! Encouragement & admonition on a daily basis.

Why do we ‘consider one another’? – reason/basis “and all the more as you see the day drawing near,” The author does not use ‘day’ in an eschatological setting (except for his use with the quoting of the NC from Jeremiah). The ‘day’ may simply be referring to the climax of the historical events confronting these believers; that is, the day they fear that they will stand before Nero and be asked to either affirm or renounce their profession. This understanding of ‘day’ probably more closely fits immediate context & context of book as a whole.

Here are some implications for all of us to consider:

(1)For what do I yearn? – Things ‘crowd-out’ God’s Word & love for him, especially this time of year. We yearn for the wrong things in life; so Do I ask myself daily, ‘for what am I yearning today?’ ‘To what are my energies & efforts being drawn?’ Am I like Moses, drawing near to God in a ‘face-to-face’ intimacy crying out to Him, “teach me your ways so that I may know you and continue to find favor with you!” Do I ask myself, ‘how does God fit into my day planner today?’ If we are not careful, such a lifestyle leaves little place for intimacy, for communication, for listening to God. – “We are called to draw near to God on the basis of the completed work of Christ!”

(2) To what am I committed? – When life throws obstacles, opinions, and storms at you, what is your anchor? To what do you tightly grip your hand, your emotions, or your heart? At the moment of temptation, at the moment of frustration, or at the moment of complete & utter loss; Do I find myself resting in God’s goodness, resolve, and faithfulness? Why you ask? For he has promised an inheritance to his children.

(3) With whom will I walk? – “Our associations in life can make a tremendous difference, for good or for ill, in our outlook & our endeavors. . . . Peers can wield heavy influence on our actions, our goals. Thus, for the believer who wishes to hold to the Christian hope, the community of the saints is vital, offering the needed mix of accountability and encouragement. . . . We need others spurring us on toward love and good deeds in a world so bent on self-centeredness and self-gratification” (NIVappl, 352).

Do I ask myself these questions:
To whom in the body of Christ am I giving encouragement this day, or this week by my presence, my actions, or my words? Am I remaining faithful to my association with the body of Christ?

I trust that these four lessons from the book of Hebrews have blessed you as the readers. It is a wonderful thing to meditate upon Jesus Christ; especially during the Christmas holiday. Merry Christmas to all.